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WATCH: Obama on Why Osama bin Laden Death Photo Not Released

Published
12:18 PM PDT, May 5, 2011

President Barack Obama speaks out to "60 Minutes" on the killing of Osama bin Laden and explains why he believes it was the right decision not to release death photos of the world's most wanted terrorist.

Obama told "60 Minutes" correspondent Steve Croft during an interview Wednesday at the White House that releasing photos of bin Laden taken at the compound in Pakistan where he was killed by Navy SEALs could incite violence or might be used "as a propaganda tool."

"You know, we discussed this internally," he tells Kroft. "Keep in mind that -- we are absolutely certain this was him. We've done DNA sampling and testing. And, and so there is no doubt that we killed Osama bin Laden. It is important for us to make sure that very graphic photos of somebody who was shot in the head, are not floating around, as an incitement to additional violence."

During the interview -- airing Sunday May 8 on CBS -- Obama also explains how bin Laden's body was disposed of and reveals for the first time his thoughts as he watched and listened to the commando-style raid unfold from the Situation Room of the White House.